James especially.

Stepped out of a shop today and aw a VW "trike" filling at a local gas 
station. Light bulb moment. This may be the semi ideal starting point 
for an innovative design.

It was fairly long with low raked frorks.
He said it weighed 200 kg all up.
Engine would be a fair bit of this.

Conversion to electric of such things would be reasonably trivial. And 
they are common enough that price should be moderated by market 
forces. He said his (a pretty one) was worth $NZ10,000 I think.

    Here's another 
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Other/auction-56181436.htm

The tyres and wheels could be thinned right down. Buy as light weight 
a version as possible. Registration (if they are legal in US) is 
already taken care of.

Lots of weight could be shaved off these.

AND you could adapt for pedal power and drive an alternator directly 
rather than having chain drive. Some losses of course, but same with 
chains. Batteries can be hung at various low points. Body work can  be 
added - and a roof/solar panel or two.

Weight distributin could be made far better than for original trike if 
desired.

Worth a thought.


                Russell McMahon

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